Lake death being investigated as homicide

Police have tentatively identified the young woman found dead Tuesday in Lake Ballinger, but are not releasing her name until a scientific identification has been made.

The death is being investigated as a homicide until evidence suggests otherwise, Mountlake Terrace police detective Douglas Hansen said.

Witnesses called police about 10:35 a.m. to the Ballinger boat ramp at 23500 Lakeview Drive. At first, witnesses thought it was a mannequin. An Edmonds police dive team and firefighters helped pull the body from the water, police reported.

The woman looks to be in her teens or early 20s, with long dark hair. Her naval and skin below her lower lip were pierced, and she had a tattoo on her inner right ankle. She wore a black Russell brand hooded sweatshirt with a black bandanna around her neck.

She also wore a white tank top with stars and black pants with a gold belt buckle displaying “13,” police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or to e-mail the Mountlake Police Department at crimetips@ci.mlt.wa.us.